Business Operations for Behavioral Health Collaborative

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the National Association of Community Health Centers, NIATx, and the State Associations of Addiction Services (SAAS) have come together with SAMHSA funding to form the Business Operations for Behavioral Health Collaborative. Its mission is to provide cross-cutting, high quality training, educational opportunities, and resources for service providers to implement efficient and cost effective business solutions.

The four primary training areas are

Health Information Technology

Billing Operations

Compliance

Patient Eligibility/Access.

Webinar Series: A Webinar Series, hosted by collaborative members includes topics from all four of the training areas. The full schedule is below. Watch for registration information.

Dateall times are Eastern

Webinar

Hosted by

Call-in information/archives

Tuesday, Feb 8

Let's Get Going - Strategies to start building your billing system and keep the momentum goingClara Boyden, San Mateo County, CaliforniaDon Holloway, NIATx Coach

This webinar will provide an overview of HIT and applications used in healthcare. You’ll hear from three Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs) that have extensive experience in defining and explaining HIT to both new and experienced users. This session is a building block for future sessions on HIT in this series.Space is limited, so please register prior to the session.

“Improving a Third Party Liability (TPL) Billing System” with 8 easy (or not so easy) TipsThis webinar will share eight tips to help participants work on improving their TPL billing system.When TERROS began this process their TPL collection rate was 14% and today their TPL collection rate is 70%.He will include lessons learned from knowing what part each staff person plays in the billing and collection process? Why is important to know what you are tracking – receipts, authorizations, and denials? Find out what they learned when they asked the question “Are we billing for all the services we are providing?”

This presentation will cover the basics of what constitutes a PMS and EHR system, and will provide practical advice on how to identify, evaluate and choose suitable PMS & EHR systems.It will include lessons learned by the presenters, who between them have produced, chosen and successfully implemented such systems in Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) environments.

Creative ways to maximize revenue in order to remain mission focused which allows us to provide the appropriate level of care services and how to position your agency for changes in regards to funding.

There are a number of functions that are required when implementing health information technology.Training, systems back up, template design, server maintenance and upgrades are all examples.Providers have a choice of taking on these responsibilities themselves or working with an organization that can leverage existing relationships and competencies to provide these services.Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs) provide Economies of Scale that individual organizations cannot.This session will provide examples of how providers working with an HCCN can benefit from these economies.

The Impact of Billing and Third Payer Participation on Your Workforce: Lessons from the Pacesetter Award Process Wayne Dailey, PhD, Pacesetter Project Director and John Morris, MSW, Executive Director, The Annapolis Coalition on the Behavioral Health WorkforceThe environment for all healthcare providers is in a state of flux, and behavioral health providers are no exception: changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act, possible modifications to the federal block grant programs, and states and local governments looking to cut costs for services…In this webinar, we will share with the participants some of the experiences of provider organizations who adapted to changing fiscal and practice environments in ways that yielded “Better Jobs, Better Services, Better Business”—the theme of the Pacesetter Award project of the Hitachi Foundation and the Annapolis Coalition. The focus will be on workforce implications (especially for the front-line or direct care workforce) of changing financing structures. There will be time for questions and answers at the end.

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Thursday, May 19

Noon

Marketing and Finding New Revenue Sources

Presenter: Eric Haram, Mid-Coast Hospital

Eric will discuss conducting a needs assessment of your service area to determine relevance of services provided. In his presentation he will include market share analysis, predicting volumes, payer source analysis and maximizing revenue associated with product or service.

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Thursday, May 262:00

HIT: Overview of CMS Final Rule on Meaningful Use and Gap Analysis

This session will provide an overview of the CMS rule on Meaningful Use and Medicare and Medicaid Provider Incentives for the use of health information technology. The session will review which providers are eligible for incentive payments and review the specific Meaningful Use Criteria that must be met in order to obtain Medicaid and Medicare Incentive payments. The presenters will identify how this information can be used to conduct a gap analysis and implement a plan to meet Meaningful Use.

First Steps to Identifying the Business Operations Essential to Moving Your Agency Forward

Parity implementation and Healthcare Reform are bringing unprecedented change to the field of addiction services creating exciting opportunities as well as challenges for service providers.Agencies must be prepared to look at governance, business practices, workforce needs, marketing and much more.The reality is so overwhelming that many leaders feel immobilized on where to begin.This webinar will look at the first steps to begin the necessary transformation using a guide developed by SAAS in collaboration with NIATx.Each participant can download a copy of Implementing Healthcare Reform: First Steps to Transforming Your Organization, A Practical Guide for Leaders" at the SAAS website:

To achieve a successful transition from paper charts to the electronic health record (EHR) requires a commitment from the entire organization, a distinct willingness to change processes and adequate resources. As with any information technology implementation careful consideration must be given to the readiness of an organization for significant workflow and process change. Lack of preparation has been a serious contributor to the unusually high failure rate of EHR adoptions.

This presentation will provide the attributes you will need to achieve a successful EHR implementation with an understanding of the areas for assessment and preparation. You will be exposed to assessment tools easily acquired on the internet, and you will receive a demonstration of an assessment tool being used today by one of the nation's regional extension centers.

About the WebinarThe Affordable Care Act strengthens the government’s ability to pursue fraud and abuse and, for the first time, requires all Medicare and Medicaid providers to have a compliance program. This webinar will outline the major provisions in health reform related to fraud and abuse enforcement, identify key legal risks, and recommend steps to update and enhance the effectiveness of your organization’s corporate compliance program.

About the PresenterUri Bilek is an associate in the health law and federal grants law practice groups at Feldesman, Tucker, Leifer, Fiddell, LLP in Washington, DC. He counsels clients on evaluating, developing, and implementing healthcare corporate compliance programs. He also represents healthcare entities in connection with government inquiries, audits, and investigations and advises clients in the areas of federal and state fraud and abuse issues, including anti-kickback, false claims, and false billings. He also consults on healthcare regulatory matters related to corporate affiliations and transactions.

With federally designated and funded HCCNs and RECs around why would you even consider tackling the implementation of an EHR on your own?You have the opportunity to leverage all of the lessons learned- good and bad that an HCCN and REC has to offer you.These networks have been designed with one thing in mind,that is to assist organizations’ like yours in the daunting task of selecting, planning for, implementing and then meaningfully using an EHR to care for and manage your clients today and into the future.Come learn about how you can benefit from what these organizations can offer you and see if you still think it’s a good idea to “go it alone”.

The Vendor Selection and Due Diligence Process: Electronic Health Record (EHR) acquisition requires a stringent due diligence plan – hear from successful Health Information Technology organizations about what to expect during the selection and contract negotiation process, and gain insights from lessons learned through successful EHR acquisition, adoption, and implementation.

To register for this event:1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.2. Enter the conference number and passcode.3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

Workflow redesign is essential when implementing an Electronic Health Record. Processes change from the front desk check-in, to the point af care and ultimately to the actual billing process. In this session, we will review actual workflow redesign examples that may assist you in your EHR Implementation.

To register for this event:1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.2. Enter the conference number and passcode.3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

NOTE: You will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to download your Net Recording(FTP).

Thursday, July 282:00

Developing a Compliance Workplan

PresenterUri Bilek, Associate,Feldesman, Tucker, Leifer, Fiddell, LLP

About the WebinarAs described in the first webinar in our compliance series, “Compliance 101: Understanding Health Reform’s New Compliance Requirements," the Affordable Care Act requires, for the first time, all Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP providers to have a compliance program. A compliance workplan, a framework for establishing and developing a compliance program, can assist provider organizations in prioritizing tasks to ensure that their compliance programs address compliance risk areas and promote high-quality and reimbursable services. Whether you’re new to the compliance world or not, join this webinar to learn the essential elements of a strong compliance workplan and how to integrate it into your organization’s practices.

About the PresenterUri Bilek is an associate in the health law and federal grants law practice groups at Feldesman, Tucker, Leifer, Fiddell, LLP in Washington, DC. He counsels clients on evaluating, developing, and implementing healthcare corporate compliance programs. He also represents healthcare entities in connection with government inquiries, audits, and investigations and advises clients in the areas of federal and state fraud and abuse issues, including anti-kickback, false claims, and false billings. He also consults on healthcare regulatory matters related to corporate affiliations and transactions.

Implementing and EHR may very well be the single largest project you will ever be a part of in your career.There are some important principles to be successful and well defined pitfalls to avoid.You have an opportunity to learn from those who have gone before you- to leverage what worked and what didn’t.As you bring your practice into the 21st century with Health Information Technology, it’s critical you are as well informed as is possible so that you are one of the organizations that experiences resounding success.This brief presentation will cover the most salient points so that you can help your organization make the EHR leap.

To register for this event:1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.2. Enter the conference number and passcode.3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

NOTE: You will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to download your Net Recording(FTP).

Thursday, Aug 182:00

ASO 101: An introduction to Administrative Services Organizations (and other shared business models)

Presenter: Patrick Gauthier, Advocates for Human Potential

The business environment for behavioral health providers is changing in ways that demand strong business acumen; refined strategic plans and innovative business models; expanded management skill-sets; and enhanced infrastructure. Fortunately, administrative, financial, and technology infrastructure challenges can be shared between providers in order to benefit from economies of scale. Examples of strenuous demand abound including marketing to and contracting with managed care; hiring professional staff to manage revenue and billing operations; and managing the complexity of health information technology, the Meaningful Use of health information and the looming implementation of HIPAA 5010 and ICD-10.

The opportunity exists for providers to address these and other challenges through the establishment of new collaborative business entities. Examples from the medical field include: Administrative Service Organizations (ASO), Technology Services Organizations (TSO), Independent Provider Associations (IPA), and Preferred Provider Networks (PPN). The development of network service capabilities can ensure a unified and standardized approach as well as the creation of a viable new business.

From hurricanes to iPods, your Health Information Technology system is vulnerable – making sure you and your team are prepared is fundamental. Preparing for Recovery / Preventing Disaster includes managing technical changes, upgrades, and updates within your systems, and the people you rely on to make it happen. Learn from those who have done the work for more than a decade.

To register for this event:1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.2. Enter the conference number and passcode.3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

Problems connecting: For assistance, click on the help button or call the appropriate number listed below to speak to an Verizon conferencing specialist.US 1-800-475-5000

Thursday,Sept 82:00

HIT:Data Warehouse

What is a data warehouse and why is it important to me or my clinic?This is a pared down and simplified snapshot of why a data warehouse matters from a clinicians perspective.With the revolution of Health Information Technology (HIT) there is certainly no shortage of data points…the important question is how will you make sense of the data and turn it into useful and actionable information?There are a few basic guiding principles that can help you make take a more informed approach to implementing an EHR.

To register for this event:1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.2. Enter the conference number and passcode.3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

Thursday,Sept 152:00

Revenue Cycle Management for a New Healthcare Era

PresenterSteve Kohler, Consultant

About the WebinarWhether it’s the insurance expansion, new Medicaid and Medicare compliance requirements, adoption of new technologies, or other potential payment and delivery system reforms, there are many considerations for agencies that are doing strategic planning for the future. As part of this process, analyzing and adjusting your agency’s revenue cycle management will help you to make sure you’re taking full advantage of the new financing opportunities that will become available over the new few years. Utilizing available information, developing a comprehensive plan and implementing it throughout your agency will help ease the burden on staff. Join this webinar to hear from a leading revenue cycle management consultant about new opportunities that are coming available and methodologies to effectively prepare for what’s ahead.

About the PresenterSteve Kohler has over 23 years of experience in the health care and human service field, including working as a consultant for over 12 years. Currently operating as an independent consultant, Mr. Kohler has held a variety of positions in the human service field including Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Kohler provides expertise in revenue cycle analysis and re-engineering, business plan development, billing and reimbursement consultation, cost report preparation and review, regulatory compliance and compliance plan development and operational analysis and implementation.

Health Information Exchange has become part of our daily lives in healthcare. With data being exchanged locally, regionally and nationally, how are we affected as Behavioral Health providers? This session will demonstrate data being exchanged today and will review the regulations regarding sensitive patient data that affects behavioral health and substance abuse care givers.

Health Information Exchange has become part of our daily lives in healthcare. With data being exchanged locally, regionally and nationally, how are we affected as Behavioral Health providers? This session will demonstrate data being exchanged today and will review the regulations regarding sensitive patient data that affects behavioral health and substance abuse care givers.

To register for this event:1. Go to the URL listed above and choose Web RSVP under Join Events.2. Enter the conference number and passcode.3. Provide your information for the event leader and then click submit.

Thursday,Oct 132:00

HIT:Telemedicine and Behavioral Health

Telemedicine and Behavioral Health: As the needs for Behavioral Health exceed the available resources in all our communities – especially in rural areas – technology is helping to bridge the gaps in care provided to the whole person through the use of telemedicine. Learn how some providers are helping to ensure that safe, effective, timely, patient-centered, efficient, and equitable care is reaching the greatest number of clients with the latest in transformative strategies, where technology is a key tool.

Rapidly changing market forces, new funding streams, and consumer choiceare compelling subtsance use disorders treatment providers to engage inan unprecedented array of marketing activities - many of which representuncharted territory for our providers. When clients and census numbersare difficult to predict, your agency's brand, image, message andreputation become critical business assets. Join us for this engagingsession and learn the fundamentals of marketing and the importance ofinfusing your brand with stickiness, value propositions, and emotionalappeal so you become a provider of first choice in your community.

are compelling substance use disorders treatment providers to engage in an unprecedented array of marketing activities - many of which represent uncharted territory for our providers. When clients and census numbers are difficult to predict, your agency's brand, image, message and reputation become critical business assets. Join us for this engaging session and learn the fundamentals of marketing and the importance of infusing your brand with stickiness, value propositions, and emotional appeal so you become a provider of first choice in your community.

Presenter:

Patrick Gauthier, Director of AHP Healthcare Solutions is a senior consultant who, over the course of 20 years in the behavioral health and insurance fields, has held various roles that enable him to take a broad perspective and make recommendations that balance the needs of payers, employers, providers, and consumers. For nearly twelve years, he served as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for a national managed behavioral healthcare organization where he was responsible for the implementation of mental health parity in federal and state employee health plans as well as the privatization of SAMHSA Block Grants. His operations experience and expertise includes call center operations,

utilization management, case management and provider contracting. His consulting background over the past five years includes executive consultant and project management roles with a national Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), leading their Behavioral Health Consulting services division. His expertise includes behavioral health

policy and delivery system design, information systems, and quality improvement. His career has explored all aspects of building successful

public-private partnerships in frontier, rural and urban settings around the country.